China dramatically Increases Access to cancer Treatment, Sees survival Rates Climb
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Beijing, China – A significant expansion of China’s national medical insurance coverage for cancer treatments is yielding positive results, with a marked increase in five-year survival rates for patients battling the disease. More than 230 anticancer drugs are now included in the national catalog, providing crucial access to therapies for over 20 common cancer types, including lung, breast, and stomach cancers.
Accelerated Drug Approvals and Expanded Coverage
The National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA) has been proactively accelerating the inclusion of new and effective cancer drugs into the national insurance scheme. Recent policy changes have seen some medications added to the catalogue within a year of their approval, ensuring patients benefit from the latest advancements in oncology without undue delay. This commitment to rapid inclusion is a key factor in improving patient outcomes.
according to a March 2025 report from the NHSA, a substantial 91 drugs were added to the covered medicines list in 2024 alone, bringing the total number of insured medications to 3,159. This ongoing expansion demonstrates a clear dedication to bolstering healthcare access for the nation’s population.
Rising Survival Rates Reflect Improved Access
data released by the China Anti-Cancer Association, analyzing 2023 medical records, reveals a compelling trend: the five-year survival rate for cancer patients in China has risen from 33.3% a decade ago to 43.7% by the end of 2023. Experts attribute this advancement, in part, to the increased availability of effective treatments through the national insurance program.
Beyond Treatment: Comprehensive Supportive Care
China’s approach to cancer care extends beyond direct treatment.The national medical insurance catalogue also encompasses essential supportive medications, addressing the holistic needs of patients undergoing cancer therapy and mitigating side effects.
A Dual-catalogue System for Future Innovation
In June 2025, the NHSA initiated consultations on a groundbreaking shift in healthcare access: the implementation of a dual-catalogue system. This system will comprise the existing National Basic Medical Insurance Drug List,continuing to cover essential therapies,alongside a new Commercial Health Insurance Innovative Drug List.
The innovative drug list is designed to facilitate market access for high-value, high-cost therapies that are currently excluded from public reimbursement.This strategic move aims to balance affordability with access to cutting-edge treatments, fostering innovation within the pharmaceutical sector and providing patients with a wider range of options. This dual approach signals a forward-thinking strategy to navigate the complexities of funding advanced cancer care in a rapidly evolving medical landscape.
This article was updated on October 26, 2025.
